1-day Johor Bahru food itinerary
If planning a Johor Bahru day trip to hit all the must-try food spots feels daunting, we’ve got you covered. From hearty bagel breakfasts to indulgent zi char feasts, this one-day JB food itinerary is packed with delicious stops to help you make the most of your trip.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 26 November 2024.
Table of Contents
Breakfast: Palates & Bagels By T.A.M
Since you’re probably starving by the time you’ve crossed the border, we reckon your breakfast spot should be somewhere near the customs. But it’s also got to be somewhat filling to make up for all that empty space in your stomach. And so we’ve landed on Palates & Bagels By T.A.M, a cafe that’s a short 10-minute drive from the JB checkpoint.
They offer three signature bagels: Original (RM6++), Parmesan Cheese (RM8++), and Flavoured (RM7++), which come with toppings such as Cranberry, Mixed Black Sesame, and Pumpkin Seeds. We’re a fan of their savoury bagels, specifically the Ah Seng (RM30++). This rendition is stuffed with a thick prawn patty, egg, caramelised onions, and sliced cheddar.
Read our Palates & Bagels By T.A.M coverage.
Address: 10 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 6pm
Website
Palates & Bagels By T.A.M is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
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Coffee: Space Cafe
After that hearty breakfast, you’re going to need a pick-me-up. We recommend Space Cafe, a hidden gem in Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre Hotel.
The best thing about Space Cafe is their extensive menu. Don’t miss the Caramel Biscotti Coffee (RM18+), served with house-made honeycomb candy for added sweetness and crunch. Stir in the espresso for a perfect blend of rich milk, sweet caramel, and bold coffee. Alternatively, the Orange Americano (RM18+) offers a creamy, refreshing twist with house-made cold brew and a zesty citrus finish.
Read our Space Cafe coverage.
Address: Holiday Villa, G-11, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 9pm
Tel: +60 17-663 7562
Website
Space Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
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Lunch: Restoran Uncle Pou Wok
If you’re planning on visiting Mount Austin during your day trip, we recommend stopping by the area’s Restoran Uncle Pou Wok for lunch.
This popular zi char haunt among Singaporeans offers Malaysian classics such as KL Hokkien Mee (RM12.50+), which boasts thick, udon-like noodles stir-fried with prawns, slices of fish cake, cuttlefish, and lap cheong. Every slurp of the dark noodles was smoky, as they had been kissed by wok hei. Kids and adults alike would also enjoy their Sweet & Sour Pork (RM20+), which stays crunchy despite being coated in a sticky, tangy sauce.
Address: 103, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Tel: +60 19-857 6900
Website
Restoran Uncle Pou Wok is not a halal-certified eatery.
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Dessert / Tea: Ukiyo Cafe
For those with a sweet tooth, drop by Ukiyo Cafe for dainty French-Japanese cakes in a pretty-in-pink space. Located in Mount Austin, it’s just a short walk from Restoran Uncle Pou Wok or any nearby lunch spot.
Here, the Genie (RM22++) is a popular pick: this is a fudgy matcha cube with a rich dark chocolate middle, an instant hit for most matcha fans. Alternatively, try the Mount Nimba (RM26++), made with raspberry creme brulee, cocoa nibs, and milk chocolate mousse. Order a cup of Caffe Latte (from RM13++) to go along with the sweet treats, and you have afternoon tea sorted.
Read our Ukiyo coverage.
Address: 17-02, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 7pm
Tel: +60 12-936 9760
Website
Ukiyo Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery, but their food contains no pork or lard.
Ukiyo: Hidden French-Japanese Dessert Cafe With Beautiful Layered Cakes In JB Mount Austin
Dinner: Restoran Teck Sing
A satisfying dinner is a must for any day trip, and so we recommend you check out Restoran Teck Sing, widely considered one of the best zi char restaurants in JB.
With more than 70 items on the menu here, you’re simply spoiled for choice. Favourites with the crowd here are Egg with Salted Turnips (from RM12), Curry Fish Head (RM48), and Sambal Kang Kong (from RM13), said to be served with a house-made sambal. Don’t forget to order the star dish Paper Baked Chicken (RM36.60), which sees chicken cooked in its own essence and a secret sauce blend, zhnged-up with herbs including red dates, goji berries, and dang gui, AKA angelica root.
Read our Restoran Teck Sing coverage.
Address: 3&5, Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Fri-Sun 11am to 8:30pm
Website
Restoran Teck Sing is not a halal-certified eatery.
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Supper: Broloklok
Should you still have room for supper, you can make a final stop at Broloklok before you head back to Singapore.
This lok lok eatery, which opens till 2am every day except Wednesday, prices their skewers from just RM1/~S$0.30. You can enjoy items such as tiger prawns, bacon-wrapped enoki mushrooms, chicken wings and more here, all of which can be paired with a range of free-flow sauces.
Read our Broloklok coverage.
Address: 41, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 7pm to 2am
Website
Broloklok is not a halal-certified eatery.
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What to eat on a JB day trip
We hope our picks will leave you feeling sated and satisfied after a full day of JB food. For more cafes there to check out, read our best Johor Bahru cafes guide. For breakfast places, read our 15 best JB breakfast spots guide.
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